In the spirit of holiday season, we're thrilled to unveil our latest stretch goal: the majestic Grimpeak Durakul. This remarkable dwarven fortress, also serving as the gateway to the expansive dwarven undercities, is now accessible to all our Gold Tier backers. You'll find it in our Location Collection, Bundles 1 through 3 and of course, in our store.

"Grimpeak Durakul is a formidable dwarven stronghold, nestled within a rugged mountain range. The fortress is characterized by steep, towering peaks, under which lies a vast and intricate network of tunnels, forges, and living quarters collectively known as the under-empire.

The exterior of Grimpeak Durakul is marked by angular dwarven walls, often tiered and topped with battlements. These walls are decorated with intricate architectural details, showcasing the dwarves' skill in stonecraft. The main entrance is a grand spectacle, featuring a colossal dwarven stone face that guards the gateway to the under-empire. Various structures like chimneys, bridges, and mechanical lifts dot the landscape, testifying to the dwarves' engineering prowess.

Inside, Grimpeak Durakul is a bustling hub of activity. The under-empire is densely populated, with districts dedicated to mining, crafting, and trading. At its heart stands a colossal forge tower, the epicenter of dwarven industry. Immense anvils and hammers dominate this space, resonating with the sounds of metalwork that echo through the halls.

Giant stone statues, symbolizing dwarven ancestors and heroes, watch over the districts. The buildings within these districts are a mix of functionality and artistry, made of stone and metal, and adorned with dwarven motifs. The society here is deeply rooted in tradition, yet vibrant and alive with the constant hum of industry."

- Lysandra Silvershade

Grimpeak Durakul comes in two distinct versions. The first captures the fortress's splendour in its entirety, while the second features a detachable top, revealing the vibrant undercity nestled deep within the mountain's embrace. While we've been able to provide resin supports version for this, FDM users will need to generate supports using their chosen slicing software.

***We do not fear what lies beneath, We can never dig too deep!***

Crafting this colossal tile was a journey filled with challenges, but we believe its presence as a centrepiece in any map will be nothing short of magnificent.

While juggling sculpting, decorating, optimizing, hollowing, supporting, and testing – not to mention moments of frustration at my desk – I started writing a short narrative to highlight its detailed features. The narrative, along with images of the tiles, were shared on Facebook and Discord. For added convenience, I've included it at the end of this post for those interested. This approach turned out to be quite enjoyable, so we're considering doing something similar in the future. Perhaps an ongoing narrative, or maybe we'll try something different each time.

Don't Miss Out: MMF Winter Sale!

Click the image to go straight to our store!

Our MMF Winter Sale is in full swing and will continue up until January 8th, 2024. Use the promo code "WINTERSAVINGS" at checkout to enjoy a 30% discount on everything in our store, including the awe-inspiring Grimpeak Durakul.

Campaign 02: A Glimpse into the Future

The upcoming year, 2024, is shaping up to be monumental for us.

As Campaign 01 nears its grand finale, our sights are already set on Campaign 02. We've almost finalized our plans and have started work on new tiles, each promising to be as captivating as the last.

Meet Us at the UK Games Expo

Mark your calendars! We'll be at the UK Games Expo from May 29th to June 2nd 2024. Expect an exclusive showcase of maps featuring Hexton Hills and a sneak peek into the tiles from Campaign 02.

What's Our Next Stretch Goal?

While we'll be taking a short break during the holidays, rest assured, we've made significant strides with EC: Mountain Edges and EC: Moat, which are set to be our upcoming releases.

That's it for now, I hope you all have a fantastic holiday break and we look forward to providing you with more great hexes in 2024!

As always,

Keep it hexy,

Dan & Jax

Storytime…

Twilight at Grimpeak's Gate

After weeks of arduous travel, Lysandra Silvershade finally beheld her destination: Grimpeak Durakul. The journey had been grueling, but nothing compared to the sight that unfolded before her as sundown cast its amber glow over the fortress. The setting sun, entangled with the rugged peaks, threw colossal shadows across the mountain range, turning the ancient stone into a tapestry of light and dark.

The air was bitterly cold , a sharp contrast to the sheltered woodlands of her home. The howling wind, a relentless symphony in this harsh terrain, carried whispers of snow that began to fall heavily, blanketing the world in a pristine, icy shroud. Each step Lysandra took towards the fortress felt like a defiance of the mountain's inhospitable embrace.

Grimpeak Durakul itself was an architectural marvel, standing stoic against the tempestuous elements. The dwarven walls, adorned with angular carvings, seemed to resonate with the mountain's might. The battlements, tiered like the rugged slopes they adorned, were now lined with the soft glow of snow, a serene crown atop a formidable warrior. As dusk deepened, the great entrance of the fortress loomed before her, more imposing under the veil of twilight. The giant dwarven stone face at the gateway, illuminated by the twin flame braziers, appeared almost alive, its stone moustache and solemn eyes a silent testament to the endurance of its creators.

Approaching the colossal stone doors, Lysandra was enveloped by a sense of solemnity and anticipation. The winds howled their protest as the doors creaked open, groaning like ancient giants roused from slumber. A wave of warmth greeted her from within, a stark contrast to the icy exterior. It was as if the mountain itself was exhaling, welcoming her into its hidden heart.

Stepping across the threshold, Lysandra left the frigid embrace of the mountain night and entered the under-empire of Grimpeak Durakul. The warmth that enveloped her was more than physical; it was the warmth of a living city, a beating heart within the stone . Here, amidst the glow of forge fires and the murmur of a hidden world, she would seek to bridge centuries-old divides.

As the great doors closed behind her, sealing out the cold and the howling wind, Lysandra Silvershade took her first steps into history, the weight of her mission and the hope of her people resting firmly on her shoulders.

Beneath the Mountain: The Veins of Grimpeak

As the doors thudded shut behind her, Lysandra found herself immersed in a realm unlike any she had known. The under-empire of Grimpeak Durakul spread out in a vast expanse of industrious wonder. The air was suffused with warmth and thick with the scent of molten metal and earth, contrasting starkly with the icy winds outside.

Before her were the bustling districts of the dwarven empire, each brimming with ceaseless activity. Three main districts faced each other, interconnected by a series of bridges arching over immense chasms that plunged into deep, inky abysses. These chasms, intimidating yet majestic, seemed to reinforce the dwarves' tenacity, their existence poised on the brink of eternal darkness.

Lysandra’s gaze was captivated by the colossal forge tower beneath the mountain's peak. The tower, the pulsating heart of Grimpeak Durakul, was encircled by towering pillars, each topped with a massive anvil. Huge hammers struck these anvils in a rhythmic cadence, a powerful demonstration of dwarven might and creativity. The sounds resonating through the halls were more than mere echoes; they were the heartbeat of dwarven culture.

Pipes cascaded down from the tower, channelling hot molten fire into large smelting pots, casting the under-empire in a flickering orange glow. Rail tracks, akin to the mountain's arteries, ran into the central tower from two of the districts, forming an endless loop of transport for goods and materials. Guided through the districts towards the central tower, Lysandra witnessed the industriousness of the dwarves. Each district, nestled within stone walls and solid rock, hummed with the sounds of production and machinery. The structures, crowned with stone and metal, stood as monuments to the dwarves' architectural skill, while cranes shifted materials and equipment, showcasing a legacy of engineering prowess.

Giant stone statues, symbols of dwarven heritage, stood sentinel over each district. One gripped a great axe, another a mighty hammer, and a third a shield, doubling as a portal for minecarts traversing the earth's depths. These figures were not simply decorative; they were the chroniclers of dwarven history and valour.

Crossing a bridge to the central tower, Lysandra marvelled at the seamless integration of life and craft among the dwarves. Deep beneath the earth, under a canopy of stone and ore, they had not merely constructed a city; they had forged an enduring civilization. Reaching the entrance of the central tower, Lysandra prepared for pivotal negotiations. Behind these doors awaited the council of elders, King Thorin Ironfist, and the core of dwarven society. Bracing herself for discussions set against the backdrop of hammer strikes and steam, she was ready to advocate for an alliance that could alter the course of their intertwined destinies.

Dawn of Alliance

Upon entering the central tower's majestic council chamber, Lysandra Silvershade was immediately enveloped by the solemn atmosphere of Grimpeak Durakul's core. Illuminated by the forge's warm glow, ancient tapestries and stone walls around her told tales of dwarven valor and history.

King Thorin Ironfist commanded the chamber's focus, his robust presence and dense beard a testament to his race's legendary fortitude. Accompanying him, the council of elders, each a pillar of wisdom and experience, regarded Lysandra with a mix of intrigue and cautious respect.

The night's negotiations were marked by strategic discussions and careful planning. Lysandra presented a bold initiative for an alliance against the Ironmaw Horde's looming threat, proposing a new trade route through elven territories leading directly to the human Kingdom of Aldercrest. The dwarves, in turn, could then seek access to Aldercrest's advanced Naval Technology, a significant departure from their traditional mountain-bound skills. In a reciprocal gesture, the Dwarves of Grimpeak would offer the elves the opportunity to trade for Mithril, a material renowned for its light weight and durability, ideal for crafting Elven armour. This mutual exchange would not only provide the dwarves with newfound maritime knowledge and opportunities but also strengthen ties through beneficial trade.

King Thorin and his council, recognizing the potential of this maritime venture, engaged in deep discussions. Their voices, resonant and thoughtful, intertwined with the distant forges' rhythmic pounding. As dawn's first light began to filter through the chamber, a historic accord was forged, symbolizing a new chapter of cooperation. With the agreement in place, Lysandra retreated from the council, her heart lifted by hopeful prospects. She climbed to Grimpeak's summit, arriving just as the sun ascended over the rugged horizon. The sprawling landscape of Grimpeak Durakul, now bathed in the morning's golden hues, revealed the fortress's full splendour.

On the viewing platform, Lysandra took a moment to embrace the dawn's beauty and its promise of new beginnings. Thoughts of her return journey, bearing news of this unprecedented alliance, filled her with anticipation. The sunrise, a symbol of rebirth and hope, reflected the dawn of a unified era.

Gazing upon the awakening realm below, Lysandra felt a profound peace. The union of elven diplomacy, dwarven resilience, and human maritime prowess had charted a path of shared destiny, a beacon of unity against a common adversary.